Caring for your skin can be a complicated business, especially for us Boomers Babes. We worry about cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing (A LOT) and hiding from the sun, all while trying our best to fool father time.
Normally, that means we need an arsenal of beauty products and many precious minutes to get the job done. (No wonder Bob's long gone before I even think about getting dressed!)
But wouldn't it be nice to simplify our lives? The folks at Likewise Skincare want to give one lucky reader the chance to do just that. We've teamed up with them to give away two skincare shortcuts perfect for Boomers: Likewise Face and Body Wash (5.91 ounces; $35) and Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer (1.69 ounces; $44 - $49).
Likewise Skincare's do-it-all facial moisturizers protect, hydrate and renew ... all in one step.
This dermatologist-formulated brand is offering one lucky Boomer the chance to win two anti-aging skincare shortcuts (an approximately $80 value) ... FREE:
Click "Read More" for details on how to enter. Contest ends June 28!
Lightly scented with citrus, this pH 4-balanced cleanser moisturizes with deeply hydrating Shea butter and rich amino acids. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (malic, glycolic and salicylic acids) provide gentle exfoliation, helping to regenerate and revitalize skin from head to toe.
Made for all skin types, this multi-talented formula works for the whole family, yes, mom, dad and the kids. It's suds-free for especially mild cleansing so you can use it on your face and body. To start, try rinsing with a very small amount (it has concentrated cleaning power) two to three times a week.
Although you can gradually increase to daily use, I've enjoyed keeping this wash in the shower and using it about three times a week (overuse can cause flaking). Afterwards, my skin feels fresh and toned. And I've completed the ideal prep step for all Likewise moisturizers while bathing. Don't you just love taking shortcuts? (5.91 ounces; $35)
Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizers
Likewise Skincare's facial moisturizers contain anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins, toners, micronized zinc oxide and SPF 50 sunscreen for maximum sun protection. Zinc oxide is the only FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient that effectively blocks UVA1, UVA2 and UVB rays for true broad spectrum protection. Each of the three different moisturizers is designed for a specific skin type:
Since my 55ish skin begs for hydration, I tried Likewise's moisturizer for normal to dry skin. It blocks the sun with the highest levels of protection against skin cancer while hydrating and adding strong anti-aging ammunition. Mega benefits in one simple step ... you gotta love that!
One pea-size dab dotted on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin does the trick most days. Go heavier if you're hiking, biking or otherwise engaged in the great outdoors. This skin saver's also great when you're sweating or swimming because it's water resistant. However, you will need to reapply every two to three hours as needed.
The thick, white cream goes on smooth, absorbs quickly and is easy to top with my favorite foundation. And since a little goes a long way, one tube lasts and lasts, helping to stretch my spending.
I feel better knowing this formula, like all Likewise Products, was developed by a board-certified dermatologist who prefers scientifically proven ingredients. Dr. Julie Pena created the brand in response to a growing concern for patients with signs of severe sun damage -- wrinkling, hyper-pigmentation, melasma, skin cancer -- that may have been prevented by the daily sunscreen use.
The founder and president of Likewise is also a trained Pathologist and MOHS micrographic surgeon. She has owned and operated Skin Solutions Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery, P.C in Nashville, TN since 2001. Through her three dermatology offices and two cosmetic centers, she focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin cancer as well as provides cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments.
Dr. Julie Pena
So what's all the fuss about a little sun? We asked Dr. Pena to fill us in on this and other important questions.
Why is sun protection so important?
The sun ages us more than anything. I feel like so many people don't get that. People want to look younger and/or have healthy looking skin yet they refuse to protect their skin from the sun daily.
But the best anti-aging product you can use on a daily basis is a sunscreen. An SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen will protect you from the UVA rays that penetrate deep layers of the skin and cause cellular damage and wrinkling.
Why worry about skin cancer now? Isn't the damage already done for us Boomers?
It's never too late to start protecting your skin. Cells that are not cancerous today have not had enough damage done to them. You can help save these cells from crossing the border from normal to malignant by properly caring for your skin.
Your age is irrelevant. No matter what your age, by protecting your skin from sun exposure, you can prevent further cell deterioration which leads to skin cancer. By reducing cell deterioration going forward - you can keep skin cancer at bay.
Are there other benefits to daily sun protection?
Yes, using a sunscreen moisturizer every day will give your first layer of skin, the Stratum Corneum, the moisture it needs to do its job protecting you from germs, infections and free radicals in the environment.
Also, a sunscreen moisturizer that has anti-oxidants will help protect your skin from the aging and cell deterioration caused by the "oxidative" process. Anti-oxidants like vitamins B, C, E and soy give your skin another layer of protection from the environment.
What's the advantage to having one cleanser for face and body?
You have the choice to use it on your face only, body only or both. The Likewise Face & Body Wash is an anti-aging cleanser that is also beneficial for acne skin and another skin condition called keratosis pilaris since it contains glycolic, salicylic and malic acids.
Typically, the face is more sensitive to acids than the trunk and extremities. Likewise was specifically formulated to be gentle enough for use on the face daily. Most people can use it daily on their face but those with dry sensitive skin may only be able to use it a few times a week.
The trunk and extremities can handle daily exposure to the wash in the vast majority of people. We all do our best to protect our faces from aging but often forget about the rest of our bodies. There really isn't another anti-aging wash for the body with such effective ingredients. Also, many people find it very helpful for their truncal acne and rough bumps that often appear on the arms and legs.
Really, it is your choice where on your body you want to use Likewise wash, but its ingredients are beneficial for face, trunk and extremities depending on what you are trying to treat: anti-aging, acne or keratosis pilaris.
Do you recommend using Likewise's Anti-Aging Moisturizers during the day and at night?
Yes, definitely every morning we want you to protect your face from the sun's damaging rays by using zinc which is a key ingredient in Likewise moisturizers. Likewise also contains antioxidants and anti-agers like vitamins B, C, E and soy. These work to reverse oxidative damage to cells which occurs daily. Other key ingredients include azelaic acid and niacinamide which help control rosacea and acne and aid in fading dark spots.
Likewise is a powerful sunscreen moisturizer with ingredients that help protect against aging, dark spots, acne and rosacea. Exposing your skin to these key ingredients morning and night is beneficial.
On the Shelf: Available online at Likewiseskincare.com
Want to simplify your life? You could win these anti-aging skincare shortcuts (an approximately $80 value) from Likewise Skincare to help you do just that.
These Boomerlicious finds developed by board-certified dermatologist Julie Pena use scientifically proven ingredients to cleanse, provide sun protection, hydrate and fight aging.
To enter the contest*, email Enter@BoomerBrief.com by June 28. Put "Simplify My Life" in the subject line and tell us your:
* This contest is only open to entrants in the 50 United States.
Thank you to Likewise Skincare for providing free samples for review and testing.
WinPrizesOnline: Sweepstakes